Clearwater Romance by Marissa Dobson Read Free Book Online

bedspread and curtains would make picking a color for the walls easier. The domestic intimacy created a blissful bubble—and made her sad at the same time.
    “What’s wrong?” He kept an eye on the chicken breasts grilling on the stove.
    “Nothing.”
    “Chloe, I have come to know you better than that in the last few days. I can tell something’s on your mind. What’s wrong?”
    The tears glistened in her eyes. “You’ll be leaving soon.”
    “I’m glad you brought that up.” He sat the tongs aside, turning down the chicken he came to the table. “I don’t want to leave. What we have is special. Marry me?”
    “What?” she asked. Marriage? She didn’t expect that.
    “You heard me. Marry me. Make me the happiest man on earth. I know this isn’t the romantic way, and I don’t even have a ring. But we can take care of that after the storm.” He got down on one knee. “Chloe Frost, marry me.”
    “Yes.”

Epilogue
     
    Six Months later…
    The whole town gathered at the pond behind Winterbloom. She wanted to wait until the rooms were finished to allow guest to stay.
    “Chloe?” A woman called from behind her.
    “Yes?” she said without turning around.
    “I’m Megan.”
    Chloe turned around and was face to face with the woman and her little girl that helped bring them together. “Wow. Sorry, Jordan said you wouldn’t be able to make it.”
    “I know. I told him Stella here was sick. She was, but she made a full recovery. Plus I really wanted to surprise Jordan. I’m so happy for him…for both of you.”
    “Thank you. Have you seen him yet?”
    “Yes. I talked him downstairs. He’s come a long way. I think he finally believes it wasn’t his fault, and that I don’t blame him. I wanted to ask if you’d both consent to being Stella’s Godparents.  He accepted, and I hope you will also. The last few months…he’s become a brother to me, it only seems right that we’ll be like sisters. I want Stella to have a strong family around her. What do you say?”
    “Yes. She’s adorable. Jordan has shown me all kinds of pictures of her. I can’t believe she’s already a year old.”
    A knock at the door interrupted their bonding moment.
    Jennifer poked her head in the door. “It’s almost time. Are you ready?”
    “Jennifer, come met Megan and my Goddaughter Stella. Megan, this is Jennifer, my best friend and Maid of Honor.”
    “Oh yes, I have heard a lot about you. You were the one who talked Jordan into redoing your coffee shop.” Megan said as Stella bounced happily in her arms.
    “Guilty. It needs something fresh, and he did such a wonderful job here. I don’t think it will be long before the whole town is bugging him for different jobs. I know Ryan already asked him to come on as a deputy, at least part time. We don’t get a lot of problems here, but Ryan deserves a break from time to time, and they’re sometimes called to help up at Jackson Hole.”  The sheriff’s turnaround where her “visitor” was concerned surprised her at first, but the men seemed to connect on a level that didn’t include her. A storm drove Jordan into her life…and the promise of so much more kept him there. She was grateful for little miracles…and the snow.
    A holler from outside made them return to the present. “Well, are you going to get married or not?” Megan asked.
    Chloe gazed around the beautiful yard. The sounds of laughter and people talking filled the air. The butterflies filled her stomach and she grasped Jennifer’s hand for friendly support. Goldie waited next to Jordan.
    “Let’s have a wedding. I’m sure Jordan’s a bundle of nerves by now.”

Unexpected Forever
     
    Pregnant…
    The stick turned blue and Tessa Bradley’s world fell apart. But unplanned turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Add a marriage of convenience to her best friend and unplanned just might give her the happily ever after with the man she’s always loved.
    Deployment…
    Gunny